Jason Ombati, 55, has lived with the pain of losing his son, Joash Ombati, for a year now.
Joash, a casual labourer, was among three people killed in Mombasa during last June 25th's anti-government protests led by Gen Z.
On Monday, Jason recounted his struggles, revealing how life has become even harder after taking in Joash’s widow and two children, despite his modest income as a mason.
He was living with his wife and three children in Mtongwe, Likoni, working hard to feed the four, but fate would add three more mouths to feed.
“Life has become an even harder since Joash was killed,” he said.
He spoke at the Muhuri Legal Aid Clinic where Wednesday’s planned commemorative peaceful march in the Mombasa CBD was announced.
Following Joash’ death, many leaders both political and government, made a myriad of promises, including supporting the widow Lilian Nyabonyi and her two children.
However, no support came and even the job promised to Nyabonyi didn’t materialise.
Jason urged parents who lost children in the June 25, 2024, protests to honour their memories by attending commemorative events being held tomorrow across the country.
“For those parents whose children were killed and those who were hurt, let us come out together in numbers and pray together because it is one year down the line,” Jason said.
Haki Africa’s Mathias Shipeta said they will be on the streets peacefully commemorating the fallen Gen Z.
This will be after a prayer service with friends and families of the departed.
“We have met with the county police commander and all security apparatus to ensure there will be security for all peaceful marchers. We don’t expect any confrontation with police,” Shipeta said.
He called on all who will be attending the commemoration to carry placards, handkerchiefs and water.
“We have received reports that there are people who are planning to infiltrate our peaceful march and antagonise things. We will be alert,” he said.
Muhuri’s Francis Auma said there will be peace and order in Wednesday’s commemorative march, scheduled to start at Pembe za Ndovu.
Auma said the families who lost their loved ones in Mombasa are still waiting for justice, with the Independent Police Oversight Authority said to be still conducting investigations, one year down the line.
“It is sad because justice delayed is justice denied,” Auma said.
Haki Yetu’s Munira Ali said after the meeting with the regional security bosses, there is a mutual trust that Wednesday’s commemorative march will be peaceful.
“Should goons be present during the demos, then we have reminded the police not to frustrate the peaceful protest,” she said.
Muhuri executive director Walid Kassim said the conduct of police officers has a big role to play in the success of the peaceful protest and commemorative march.
Meanwhile, Amina Ridhwani, the founder of Mama Kenya Movement, led other community women leaders in Mombasa in commemorating the Gen Zs who lost their lives fighting for Kenya last June by lighting candles in their honour at the Uhuru Garden.
Ridhwani said women are most hurt when the country is not at peace.
“We are tired of seeing blood being shed,” Ridhwani said.
She protested the relative silence of women leaders in Parliament saying they are not doing enough to raise their voices against police excesses in the country.
“Aren’t those leaders people’s mothers? Don’t they feel the pain of losing a child as a mother? How cruel can they be?” she said.
She said Kenya should and will not witness any more bloodshed because of protests.
“As Kenyans, we have forgotten what it is to be Kenyan. We have forgotten the pride of being a Kenyan,” she said.
Ridhwani called on the security apparatus to allow for the peaceful protests in the country so that people can air their frustrations.
She said the pent-up anger among the young people should be allowed out to avoid danger in future.
